Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof

Tucked away in the Tyrolean Mountains is the 30-room Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof, a perfect family-run hidden gem. We came across this jewel a few years back and were bowled over by their take on Ayurveda, which also offers exceptional value for money, and is only a couple of hours from London.

In Austria, Dr Alaettin Sinop leads the Ayurveda team of 13 specialists along with Dr Guarav Sharma, and they offer a huge range of programmes, from Shirodhara to the full-on traditional Panchakarma detox, as well as acupuncture, and the best oil massages you will ever experience. In terms of activities, you have daily yoga, breathing exercises and meditation by the lake. The daily programme is comprehensive and there is a lot to keep you fully occupied.

The food is delicious and healthy, colourful and enticing. Nutrition plays a prominent role in Ayurvedic medicine and is considered one of the three pillars of health. Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof offers a balanced vegetarian cuisine that is based on the principles of Indian healing but adapted to suit western taste buds. The ingredients are first class and sourced from the local farms and markets. In Ayurveda, there are three constitutional types (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), and the suggested meals for each constitution differ. Their Ayurveda specialist Gaurav Sharma provides guests with an Ayurvedic treatment programme with detailed instructions regarding meals.

Sonnhof is a family-run affair and the owner, Johann, is always on hand to ensure that guests have all they need for the perfect stay. He is assisted by his two daughters – Lisa, who teaches many of the yoga and meditation classes, and Christina, with her Ayurvedic degree, who is involved in the daily running of the Ayurveda programme. Sonnhof is perfect for those who would like to sample the principles of Ayurveda, without having to schlep to the Indian sub-continent. It’s just as good for the purists, and for those who know and love Ayurveda, and as it offers good value for money, it’s perfect for all spa lovers.

Spa programmes at the retreat are accompanied by complimentary access to an assortment of group and fitness activities, an example schedule of which you will find below.

Tyrol Junior Suite

Alpienne Junior Suite

Harmonie Spirit Suite

Sonnhof Spirit Junior Suite

VEDA Spirit Suite

The concept of the AyurvedaCentre is ‘Tyrol meets India’ and the various spaces have been designed in accordance with the Ayurvedic philosophy that our bodies are temples that house our spirit. In the spa, senses are soothed in a relaxed, positive atmosphere and gently stimulated with exhilarating fragrances and peaceful sounds. The spa contains three saunas, created in accordance with Ayurvedic principles, and the Swasthya peace room provides the ideal environment for rest and relaxation before and after treatments. Other areas of the spa include infrared cabins, a yoga & OM meditation room, a Shakti (power) fitness room and the new Shiva Shaki lounge. The signature feature of the spa is a glorious panoramic indoor pool boasting direct access to the gardens and energy fountain.

The Shiva Shakti energy garden is an oasis with Alpine views that spans 1000 square metres and was designed according to Vastu teachings. With a focus on the 5 elements, the garden offers various energy spots such as the Gateway to the Heart rose garden, statues of Ganesha and Buddha, the Shakti fireplace, special Chakra places and more. There are also places of bliss and a place of compassion to be found in addition to an herb garden, bird table, landscaped natural garden pond and yoga and rest areas.

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof boasts a stunning hillside location in the Tyrol Mountain range on the high plateau of the Thiersee Valley. At an altitude of 900 metres, it provides incredible views of the surrounding mountain scenery.

The nearest airport is Innsbruck, just 55 miles away. Because flights do not operate directly here from the UK year round, guests can also fly to Salzburg (73 miles away) or Munich (83 miles away).

Really work during your programme, and choose a sauna to suit your dosha (body) before and after your treatment.

Make sure to stretch your limbs with the morning yoga.

Don’t shower after your spicy oil treatment. Though you may be tempted because of the smell, your skin will become baby-soft if you can keep it on overnight.

Pack for comfort, there are no airs and graces here.

Remember to pack a head scarf or hat, particularly if you have opted for a Panchakarma treatment.

Programmes

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Healing Holidays Exclusive

Ayurveda Taster

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

3 nights

This programme is the optimal solution for you if you have never tried Ayurveda and would like a short sample retreat. It offers an ideal introduction and is perfect for busy individuals, who are unable to commit to a longer Ayurveda programme. You will be able to sample multiple different treatmen…

Ayurveda 'Deluxe'

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

3 nights

The Ayurveda 'Deluxe' programme is the perfect taster to discover a more in-depth experience about the Ayurvedic philosophy, without jetting half-way around the world to India. This retreat is an ideal introduction for those with limited time or those uncomfortable committing to a long…

Ayurdetox

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

4 or 7 nights

This programme is perfect for those looking to lose weight and keep it off. Based on an analysis from your Ayurvedic expert, you will be prescribed an Ayurvedic diet suited to your particular Dosha constitution helping you to drop pounds. It combines modern nutritional science with the ancient wisd…

Ayurveda Relax & Feel Good Retreat

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

5 nights

This programme has been designed to completely revitalise you. It will re-balance your body, mind and spirit, giving you time for yourself. You can slow your pace of life, take a deep breath and re-connect with your inner strength. You will also feel pampered as the programme includes a variety of …

Royal Ayurveda

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

5 nights

This programme is based on the three pillars of health in the Ayurveda philosophy: Ayurvedic nutrition, diagnosis/ treatment and yoga. During this programme, you will achieve a healthy balance between body elements again, by restoring harmony between your mind, body and spirit. This balance will be…

AyurDetox - Intensive programme

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

Discover an individual diet programme and experience sustained weight loss. Targeted detoxing measures and treatments combined with gentle exercise expel toxins and waste material from your body – within a short time you will feel truly unburdened and find new lightness, vitality and mobility…

Panchakarma 'Lite'

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

7, 10, 14 or 21 nights

Encompassing the five pillars of Ayurvedic purification, Panchakarma is the most effective and profound detoxification method. Panchakarma is especially recommended for those suffering from chronic disorders. It starts with a two-part comprehensive diagnosis and implementation. First, the prep…

Rasayana Intense Regeneration Programme

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

10 nights

This programme follows the three pillars of Health to restore vitality to the organs. In this programme, the immune-boosting treatments will bring about internal stability. This stability will combat fatigue and physical strain, which will greatly aid those who are recovering from illness. Diagnosi…

Shamanic Energy Healing Retreat

Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof | Austria

31 March to 10 April 2019, 26 May to 5 June 2019, 20 July to 30 July 2019 & 22 September to 2 October 2019

Being in harmony with yourself, perceiving and realising your purpose in life, experiencing inner peace – regardless of what is going on externally: the Energy Healing Retreat combines the cardinal Ayurvedic treatment Panchakarma with Shamanic coaching units designed to guide body, mind and s…

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"Everything was excellent, except the very gloomy lighting in my room. There was no bedside switch for the lights, so I had to unplug the standard lamp - the only lamp that gave much illumination - before getting into bed. With all three lamps lit, there was not enough light to see colours when I was packing. Notwithstanding this, I intend to go again. The staff seem to get on well together. They have a high morale, and the business is well-run. It feels like a happy place."